In July 2016 our Centre held a Deep Sky Weekend star party at the observatory for members of other RASC Centres for the first time. Our observatory had only been open for a year then. Members of the Vancouver and Victoria Centres were invited to attend. We were competing with well-established star parties in the same month back then but suggested this event as an inexpensive alternative. Members from the Vancouver and Victoria Centres attended and spent the weekend at the airport viewing the skies. Our members dropped in at night to join in the observation sessions. The attendees stayed in their campers onsite or in bed and breakfasts nearby and observed at night. The turnout for this event was small as expected but the feedback following the event was good. I’ve included some photos from that original star party here.
Now in 2023 the Merritt Star Party organizers are dissolving their organization so that event no longer exists. Their board has announced their intention of donating some money to our Centre as they shut down operations.
We’ve decided to revisit the Deep Sky Weekend event for our observatory. This would give astronomers in the Lower Mainland and nearby communities a closer alternative than driving to some other part of the province (and an easier one: I’ve been told some Vancouver members couldn’t make it up the road to Mount Kobau and heard stories of extreme weather at the Merritt event). In tight economic times this should appeal to many. This could bring in some big name astrophotographers and amateurs who could share their knowledge with our members. We could get a lot of support for our event from local businesses and the District of Sechelt as it will bring in business. I’ve discussed this with the District of Sechelt’s Event Coordinator, and they like the idea. After discussing this with our executive and former members of the Merritt Star Party board, we’ve decided to shoot for Thursday, 29 August to Sunday, 1 September. I’ve checked the records of our observing sessions from first light at our observatory and we’ve regularly been open at the end of August.
Anyone out there like to join our organizing committee and/or volunteer for this event?
Sunshine Coast Centre RASC 